This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Bangladesh and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80pound weight limit on baggage. Because you will acquire a lot of stuff during training (e.g., books, bedding, a mosquito net, and a medical kit), you should leave some space in your luggage for these items or plan to purchase an additional bag after you arrive in Bangladesh. Do not bring anything of great monetary or sentimental value, and consider obtaining insurance for valuable belongings before you leave the United States. Remember that you can get almost everything you need in Bangladesh. Cotton is the most comfortable material for clothing, including underwear, in hot and humid weather, but you may also want to bring some warmer clothes for travel (e.g., fleece). The tailors in Bangladesh will copy clothing for a reasonable price, so you might want to bring a few pictures or patterns with you. If you plan to go trekking in another country, such as Nepal or India, bring some hiking shoes or boots, preferably already broken in. Regular shoes can be purchased locally in sizes up to 9 for women and 10 for men.

Lightweight sleeping bag (for travel on trains and buses or in guest houses where bedding is not provided)

A small musical instrument (not a valuable one) and music, if you play or sing (note that good-quality guitar strings are not easy to find locally and that instruments can warp in Bangladesh’s climate)

Photos of your family and home

Portable games like Scrabble, chess, and playing cards

Diary or journal

Travel guides for Bangladesh and any nearby countries you hope to visit

Sunglasses and a sun hat

Combination locks for your home and luggage

Swiss army knife or Leatherman tool

Travel alarm clock

Money belt or pouch

One or two large plastic containers to protect food and valuable belongings such as cameras from moisture and pests (available locally but the quality varies)